CCSO purchases equipment with Homeland Security grant

The Choctaw Plaindealer

A Homeland Security grant has helped the Choctaw County Sheriff's Office become more equipped to help in a natural disaster and more equipped for search and rescue calls.

In January, the CCSO was awarded a 2008 Homeland Security grant for $52,750 to purchase a 3/4-ton truck and ATV equipment.

Lee Upchurch, CCSO chief deputy, wrote the grant with the help of Dr. Neil Amos.

Upchurch said this is the first time the CCSO has written their own grants.

"This is the first time the SO has stood on its own two feet, doing the grant process itself," said Upchurch.

He said the grant allowed the CCSO to purchase the equipment and accessories with no cost to the county.

"Did not cost the county any money to buy the equipment or accessories," said Upchurch.

In the grant, the CCSO asked for four justifications: intervention equipment (basic law enforcement equipment), physical enhancement equipment (fencing and security cameras at the SO), a prime mover (3/4 ton truck) and an ATV.

The CCSO was only awarded two of the four justifications-$31,400 for a prime mover and $21,250 for ATV equipment.

The CCSO purchased a Ford 250 truck as the prime mover required in the grant.

Upchurch explained that the Homeland Security grant was specific that the prime mover was required to be a 3/4-ton truck.

"I'd much rather have a patrol car than a truck," said Upchurch, when explaining that the grant required the truck.

He said since the grant is from Homeland Security, the 3/4 ton truck is required to have the ability to move and tow equipment to help with any major disasters in Mississippi.

"When Hurricane Katrina hit, I could have been called to bring the truck and equipment, such as 4-wheeler and Rhino, to help in disaster areas," said Upchurch.

The truck is also allowed to be used in "everyday operations at the SO" such as patrol.

The grant purchased the truck, police lighting kit and the accessories. Upchurch said the

"only cost to the county was for the tag."

The ATV equipment purchased with funds from the grant was a 4-wheeler and a Rhino.

Upchurch said the ATV and Rhino are used for search and rescue and to help in any major disasters in the state.

A few examples of how the ATV equipment could be used are finding lost children, aiding in hunting accidents and any type of search and rescue calls. They could also be used to aid law enforcement officers at the power plant or coal mine.

Upchurch said since the CCSO has had the ATV equipment, they have used it twice.

He added, again, that the ATV equipment did not cost the county any money.

The CCSO is currently putting together the application for the 2009 Homeland Security grant.